Illia Ovcharenko at the Bergson: Beethoven's 5th and 8th Symphonies
They are probably the most difficult pieces one can play on the piano: Ludwig van Beethoven’s nine symphonies, arranged by Franz Liszt. Only a brilliant pianist—one of the greatest virtuosos of all time, like Franz Liszt—could dare to transcribe such monumental symphonic works for the piano. For what would otherwise be played by 60 or 70 musicians must here be accomplished by ten fingers. And Liszt, who knew no technical limits, let his creativity run wild. The enormous demands of these arrangements are the main reason why one virtually never gets to experience the entire cycle of all nine symphonies. To mark the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death, the Bergson Kunstkraftwerk is presenting this rarity. It will be performed by the finest young pianists of our time: Steinway Prize winners, most of whom have already performed at the Bergson and are now returning.
At just 25 years old, Illia Ovcharenko is a prize winner at numerous high-profile competitions: Busoni, Horowitz, Honens, and the Kissinger Piano Olympics. In 2025, the Ukrainian pianist performed a movement from Beethoven’s 7th Symphony; this time, with the Fifth, he presents one of the most famous works of all time, featuring the theme of all themes: da-da-da-daaaa. But that’s not all: the 5th Symphony is arguably the most difficult of the entire cycle. Franz Liszt demands everything from the pianist, who must make the monumental tutti, the most delicate woodwind parts, and the powerful crescendos audible all at once.
The following Symphony No. 8 stands in contrast to this, as it is one of Beethoven’s wittiest works. Time and again, he plays with the listeners’ expectations, surprising them with sudden accents, rhythmic punchlines, and musical jokes. The piano must sound springy, transparent, and full of wit.
For Liszt, whether in the richly textured Fifth or the transparent Eighth, never sought a clumsy effect. His goal was for the audience to forget they were hearing only a piano and instead let the orchestra take shape in their minds. And so, in this cycle, you always have, in a sense, two concerts in one: you hear Beethoven—and at the same time, you experience Liszt as a brilliant translator who transforms a single piano into an imaginary orchestra. It is precisely this that continues to make these works so fascinating to this day.
Additional dates:
June 6, 2027: Su Yeon Kim and Jae-Yeon Won perform Symphonies Nos. 6 and 7
July 18, 2027: Su Yeon Kim and Jae-Yeon Won perform Symphony No. 9
Cast
Illia Ovcharenko, piano
Admission and Tickets
Doors open at 3:30 pm
Start: 4:00 pm
End: 5:15 pm
Fair-Price Ticket: 44€
This price ensures that all performers are paid fairly and can make a living from their work. If you can afford it, we’d be grateful if you’d purchase this ticket.
Social-Price Ticket: €28
Culture costs money, but it shouldn’t exclude anyone. That’s why this ticket is intended for people with limited financial means—for whatever reason.
Support-Price Ticket: 56€
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Ticket for all five events: 175€